San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: How Does Sir'Jabari Rice Impact 2 Cities?
For San Antonio Spurs guard Sir'Jabari Rice, Austin is home.
Transferring in from New Mexico State as a graduate guard, Rice took the success he'd found as an Aggie and turned it into success for one of the NCAA's top-performing basketball squads last season.
He and the Texas Longhorns reached the Elite Eight for the first time since the 2007-08 season, but despite not coming out victorious, it was a telling year for the guard.
During his one year in Longhorn Orange, Rice averaged 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists, earning the Big 12 Conference Sixth Man of the Year award and a spot on the All-Conference Third Team.
Now, Rice will be looking to once again find success at the next level in San Antonio and Austin.
Mar 18, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Sir'Jabari Rice (10) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Wells Fargo Arena.
© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Rice had his share of health problems following his departure from Texas. Due to low iron in his blood, the guard was unable to debut for the Spurs until their last game in Vegas, but when that time came, he took full advantage.
In just 16 minutes off the bench, Rice tallied 11 points, two rebounds, one assist, three steals and a block. He also finished with a team-high +7 plus/minus.
His talent on the court has few limits — though one is having a consistent 3-point shot — which made him a strong candidate for one of the Spurs' three two-way contracts.
Now, the question is how he fits across both squads.
Before making his Summer League debut, Rice compared the Spurs to the same Longhorns squad that he found ample success with. He called San Antonio a family, and was excited to take the court for the first time.
The good news for him is that he'll get to remain with his family in San Antonio when needed, but also find a new one with the Austin Spurs' new coach Will Voigt.
Between his strong defense and explosive offensive capabilities, he'll fit right in back "home" in Austin, as he's grown to know it as. In San Antonio, he'll be able to plug himself in and not only contribute, but learn from the Spurs' more experienced players and Gregg Popovich. A win-win, right?
It surely seems that way. There's no telling how many minutes he'll get with the San Antonio Spurs this season, but it can be said with certainty that Rice will make the most of it. And he'll give the game his all in Austin, too.
That's his impact.
